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Playing our Ghanaian folk games in Helsinki
Last weekend, I took part in a summer picnic organised by a Ghanaian association here in Helsinki. The picnic allowed a group of Ghanaian immigrants to be outdoors after the lockdown in Finland was eased somewhere last month. The event brought together about 30 people.
We ate and drank (no alcohol), the organisers of the picnic and those of us older ones decided that instead of playing football and running races that Ghanaian immigrant groups usually do on such occasions, we would do some traditional Ghanaian moves or folk games for a change.
Displaying “Kye Kye Kule”, “Ampe”, and “Anntoakyire”
We did “Kye Kye Kule” moves, played “Ampe”, and “Anntoakyire”. The reason for these traditional Ghanaian games/play was two-fold. First, we wanted to do exercises in which as many people as possible could take part for the fun and also to keep physically active for good health after about three months of staying home due to the lockdown that started in mid-March and was eased last month.
The second reason was that we wanted to show to the children who had been born here in Finland or who did not grow up in Ghana to have ever witnessed those Ghanaian physical activities.
I saw the kids watched with obvious delight the activities and also when they took part in the activities.
We laughed and enjoyed singing and enacting “Kye Kye Kule”: “Kye Kye Kule…Kyee Kule; Kye Kye Kofi sa…Kye Kye Kofi sa; Kofi salangan…Kofi salanga; Tatashi langa…Tatashi langa…Kum adende..kum adende”.
It was similarly with the “Anntoakyire”. “Anntoakyire…Yeeye; obi ba oo…yee yei; obeewu oo…yeeye; obi ba rebewu oo…oda ho”. I told someone that years ago in Ghana an elderly man had explained to me the etymology of “Anntoakyire”, explaining that it was originally called “Annhwewoakyire” (literally, “not to look behind you” because you do not have to look behind you to determine that an object has been placed there; you have to show smartness by guessing right).
Portraying Ghana culture to kids born in Finland
I remember some years ago, some Ghanaian immigrants taught Twi to Ghanaian kids here in Finland as well as drumming and dancing. Maybe due to work schedules and other issues teaching of such activities has died down. But we know it has to be revived.
I have written sometimes about how Ghanaian migrants in Finland live and organise their lives in everyday practices within the Finnish society and culture.
Actually, while Ghanaian immigrants in Finland make efforts to integrate into the society where they live (here in Finland), they also try to portray the culture of Ghana, their original country.
Cooking and eating certain kinds of food (or an improvisation from food combinations) are deemed typically Ghanaian (or African) is an example. Ghanaian immigrants in Finland also display Ghanaian culture during funeral events where people mostly wear Ghanaian funeral clothes and styles made with fabrics from Ghana.
Modernity, technology and our folk games
We may be losing grounds with keeping our folk games and indigenous identity due to modern technology and video games. Actually technology is driving the world very fast, and we may be helpless stopping technological advances.
All the same, we should find ways of going along with modern technology while still maintaining our indigenous practices that are worth preserving.
Mobile phones and computers have potentials if used effectively to enhance information and education although they have their own challenges, such as non-access to the devices and considerations of sedentary lifestyles and health.
Lack of exercises can lead to cardiovascular problems, even among kids, especially those who are obese as well as those with lower social bonds.
Aside this, we also need to teach the kids to appreciate what our culture offers as a way of our cultural/social capital and identity, even if it is multiple identities involving both Ghanaian and Finnish cultural values.
Dr Perpetual Crentsil
perpetual.crentsil@yahoo.com
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
